1. Make an appointment for your pet’s annual checkup.

If you can’t remember when your pet last went to the vet, they are probably due for an exam. Annual checkups should be on your dog resolutions list every year. There are several reasons why your dog needs to see the vet yearly. If your pup is in their senior years, they should go every six months. 

 

The first thing they should stay current on is vaccination. Dog vaccines fall into “core” and “non-core” categories. All dogs should have the core vaccines, rabies (required by state law) and DHPP, which protects against four things: distemper, parvovirus, parainfluenza (not to be confused with canine influenza), kennel cough, and canine hepatitis. Then you have the non-core vaccines, and your vet can recommend which of those your dog should get.

 

Your vet will also look your dog over from head to tail for any early signs of issues. Bloodwork may be necessary to check the health of their organs and bodily functions. Vets also like to check your dog’s urine and stool for signs of diabetes, urinary issues, or parasites. Let your vet know if you need any updates or refills on prescriptions. 

 

2. Schedule a professional dental exam and cleaning.

Your dog should have their teeth cleaned by the dentist once a year to keep them healthy. You may think your dog doesn’t need it, or that their teeth seem to be fine, but there are a few things you should know about your dog’s dental health.

 

One is that dogs are excellent at hiding pain, including oral pain. So it’s not likely that you would know right away if your dog did have something going on with their teeth or gums. 

 

Second is that aside from losing a tooth or having infected gums, bad dental health can cause problems with their organs, too! The same bacteria that causes plaque can get into the bloodstream and cause harm throughout your dog’s body. 

 

Here are two tips for booking your appointment: 

February is pet dental health month, and some vets have special discounts on dental exams then, so be sure to ask!

Opt for a dental cleaning under anesthesia, as it reduces stress for your pet and allows for a better cleaning. Talk it over with your vet to make the best decision for your pet.

 

3. Clip those talons!

Tired of hearing the “click, click, click” on the floor when your dog is walking? It’s probably time to get out the nail clippers. If you don’t have a good pair of dog nail clippers, now is the time to invest in one. Read product reviews or ask your vet which is the best kind for your dog’s nails. 

 

You may be scared to cut your dog’s nails, especially if the nails are black and you can’t see the “quick,” or where the blood vessels are. If this is the case, you can always have your groomer or vet’s office do it. Set a reminder for every three weeks to check your dog’s nails.

4. Don’t ignore the threat of fleas.

Just because you don’t see a flea on your dog, that doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Fleas and ticks need to be dealt with year-round, even in areas with colder weather. 

 

Adult fleas are only 5% of the total flea population in an area. The other 95% live through the winter in various stages, from eggs to pupae hiding in their warm cocoons, just waiting for a chance to bite unprotected pets. 

 

The easiest way to not have to worry about fleas and all the problems they can cause is by keeping your pet on flea and tick medication year-round. Most treatments are monthly, but some are given every three months so you don’t have to remember it every month.

 

5. Get those steps in!

Walking your dog on a daily basis is a great habit for both of you. Outdoor walks can be mentally and physically beneficial. If getting outside isn’t an option, treadmills can be a great way for both you and your dog to get a full-body workout when the weather is less than ideal or if you have a leash-reactive pup. Plus, it offers a low-impact way for your dog to get some steps in, especially if they are recovering from an injury or operation. 

 

6. Upgrade your dog’s diet.

One of the hardest questions to answer–even for vets–is “What should I be feeding my dog?” There are so many options out there when it comes to manufacturing, brand, serving type, and protein.

 

We can help make this a little easier. Sundays for Dogs’ recipes are vet-formulated with all-natural, human-grade ingredients for your dog’s best health. The food is also air-dried, which means it doesn’t go through harsh extrusion like dry food or long cooking processes like canned food that get rid of all the good nutrients. 

 

It combines the best parts of raw and homemade foods–preserving vital nutrients with a delicious flavor–but removes the risk of bacteria and the hassle of having to make your own dog food. 

 

Basically, you only have to make one decision–which flavor. You can set up a subscription to have your dog’s new favorite food shipped automatically to your house (no running out of food!)

 

7. Finally get dog health insurance. 

Dog health insurance can provide financial protection if your pet becomes sick or injured. It can help cover the cost of veterinary care, which can be expensive, especially in the case of unexpected or emergency situations. This can help alleviate some of the financial burden and allow pet owners to focus on getting their furry friend the care they need.

 

In addition to covering the cost of medical treatment, pet insurance can also provide peace of mind for pet owners. Knowing that their pet is covered in the event of an unexpected illness or injury can help alleviate stress and allow pet owners to focus on the well-being of their pet rather than worrying about how they will pay for veterinary care. 

 

Consider Spot Pet Insurance, which offers customizable plans and potential reimbursement of up to 90% on vet bills. With dog health insurance from Spot, you can get coverage for accidents, illnesses, emergencies, surgery, cancer treatment, prescription medications, microchip implantation, X-rays, behavioral issues, dental disease, and more, for covered conditions. Plus there are no networks, you can visit any licensed vet in the US or Canada!